Family Planning

Preconception

Preconception testing benefits women being treated for a condition such as sickle cell anemia, hypertension, heart disease or diabetes that may cause a high-risk pregnancy. Screening and preconception care can minimize complications for mother and fetus later on. Women seeking preconception counseling not because of special issues but in order to be well-prepared for pregnancy are also welcome.

Ovulation Induction
Ovulation induction medications often referred to as fertility drugs, are used to stimulate the follicles in your ovaries resulting in the production of multiple eggs in one cycle. The medications also control the time that you release the eggs or ovulate, so sexual intercourse, intrauterine inseminations, and in vitro fertilization procedures can be scheduled at the most likely time to achieve pregnancy.

Infertility Options

Infertility
Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after one year of unprotected intercourse. Couples aged 35 and older are encouraged to seek help for infertility after 6 months of trying. Infertility occurs in about 10 percent of the population. There are many causes for infertility in women and men. Some causes include: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), blocked fallopian tubes from previous surgery or infection, lack of ovulation, and low sperm count or motility. In some couples, there is not cause for infertility. Your physician will do an in-depth history and physical evaluation, and discuss the diagnostic and treatment options. The following tests may need to be done: Laboratory Tests, Ultrasound Exams, Semen Analysis, Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), and Injections. If further treatments in the form of Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) are necessary, a referral to a Reproductive Endocrinologist can be made.

It is important that both partners be tested initially to carefully assess the extent of the fertility problems. The basic infertility evaluation for women includes a history and a physical examination. Additional testing to further refine the diagnosis is often completed as well. Approximately 45% of couples will have associated male infertility. It is for this reason that evaluation and treatment of the male is critical to a thorough comprehensive program for the infertile couple.

For more information about infertility costs, please call the office.

Birth Control Options

Permanent Birth Control
Is your family complete or are you unhappy with your current birth control? Sterilization is an elective procedure. This means that it is your choice whether or not to have it done.

The traditional sterilization method is Laparoscopic Bilateral Tubal Ligation. For laparoscopy, the doctor uses a device like a small telescope called a laparoscope to look at the pelvic organs and identify the fallopian tubes so they can be blocked or cut. This prevents pregnancy. This is done as an outpatient at Effingham Surgery Center under general anesthesia. The recovery is pretty quick. This method is effective with fewer than 1 per 100 (more than 99% effective) women becoming pregnant after this procedure. For more information ask your provider.

Intrauterine Devices
The intrauterine device (IUD) is a type of birth control. It is a small, plastic device that is inserted and left inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Although there have been several types of IUDs, currently five are available in the United States: the 4 hormonal IUDs and the copper IUD. We offer three of these IUDs in the office. The hormonal IUDs (*Mirena) and (*Kyleena) must be replaced every 5 years. The copper IUD (*Paragard) can remain in your body for as long as 10 years. As soon as the IUD is removed, it no longer protects against pregnancy. IUDs can be inserted in the office, during your menses or right after your menses. If you are interested in an IUD, you should discuss this with your medical provider.

Learn more about the Paragard IUD

Learn more about the Mirena IUD

Learn more about the Kyleena IUD

Learn more about the Liletta IUD

Nexplanon
Nexplanon is an implantable birth control option that prevents pregnancy for 3 years. It is more than 99% effective. It prevents pregnancy by stopping release of the egg, and it thickens the cervical mucus preventing fertilization. It is placed in the office by a trained medical provider. If you would like to learn more, visit:  http://www.nexplanon-usa.com